Thursday, July 7, 2016

Super Typhoon Nepartak (Bagyong Butchoy) Update #5

Super Typhoon Nepartak (Bagyong Butchoy) is now nearing landfall in Southern Taiwan. The eye of Nepartak was last located approximately 200km northeast of Basco, Batanes or about 370km southeast of Taipei, Taiwan. Nepartak has slightly weakened with maximum sustained winds of around 270kph with gusts of up to 325kph. STY Nepartak is currently moving west northwestward at 20kph.

As of 5pm this afternoon, PAGASA has issued Public Storm Warning Signal #2 for Batanes Group of Islands and Signal #1 for Babuyan Group of Islands. Winds of 60-100kph should be expected in these islands, along with the threat of moderate to heavy rains and high waves.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows Super Typhoon Nepartak nearing Taiwan. The eye has slightly increased in diameter due to an eyewall replacement cycle that occurred this morning. The successful of the ERC has limited the weakening normally associated with this event. As of this time, Nepartak remains a very powerful and potentially destructive typhoon.

CWB-Taiwan Radar Image

Latest radar image out of Taiwan, courtesy of the Central Weather Bureau, shows the near-perfect eye of Nepartak surrounded by heavy rainfall. The inner rain bands are soon to impact the eastern coast with more rainfall eventually overspreading the region as the night goes on. Rainfall amounts of up to 600mm are possible, especially across mountainous areas. Even parts of Batanes and Babuyan Islands will experience periods of moderate to heavy rainfall at times, eventually tapering off tomorrow morning.

Super Typhoon Nepartak is forecast to make landfall in Southern Taiwan, along Taitung County, later this evening. Winds in excess of 200kph are possible especially in exposed areas near the coast. Along with destructive winds, we are also expecting high waves and very heavy rainfall. Nepartak will rapidly weaken as it crosses the Taiwan Region. However, it is forecast to retain typhoon intensity and possibly make a second landfall, this time in Fujian Province of Southeastern China. Heavy rains and strong winds are also forecast for Fujian and nearby provinces beginning later tonight and lasting through tomorrow.

Please stay safe and always heed the warnings of your local officials!